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Drugs A–Z

Docosanol

Docosanol is an over-the-counter medicine. The sections below reproduce one FDA label for it, named under "Label". Products in other forms, strengths or from other makers have their own labels, which can differ.

Type
Over the counter (OTC)
Brand names
Cold Sore Fever Blister Treatment, Cold Sore Treatment, Cold Sore Fever Blister, Abreva
Taken
Topical
Label
Haleon US Holdings LLC, revised June 20, 2024 · full label on DailyMed

Purpose

Cold sore/fever blister treatment

What it is used for

treats cold sores/fever blisters on the face or lips shortens healing time and duration of symptoms: tingling, pain, burning, and/or itching

Active ingredient

Docosanol 10%

Do not use

if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product

When using this product

apply only to affected areas do not use in or near the eyes avoid applying directly inside your mouth do not share this product with anyone. This may spread infection.

Stop use and ask a doctor if

your cold sore gets worse or the cold sore is not healed within 10 days

Warnings

Allergy alert This product may cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms may include: hives facial swelling wheezing/difficulty breathing shock rash If an allergic reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away. For external use only Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product When using this product apply only to affected areas do not use in or near the eyes avoid applying directly inside your mouth do not share this product with anyone. This may spread infection. Stop use and ask a doctor if your cold sore gets worse or the cold sore is not healed within 10 days Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

Keep out of reach of children

. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

Dosage:
we do not reproduce dosing instructions. The right dose depends on the person and the condition and is set by the prescriber or pharmacist. Dosage section of the full label.

Docosanol in the news

We have not covered this medicine yet. Latest news

Recalls

No recalls matched to this medicine in FDA enforcement reports from the last 3 years (or older ones still open). Search all recalls

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Source: FDA structured product labeling, retrieved through openFDA. Label text is shown as published by the FDA, without editing; long sections are shortened, marked […]. openFDA data are not validated for clinical use — always check the current label and ask a doctor or pharmacist about your own treatment. Set ID c39b38a7-dcdd-4c32-8f35-b565c4d3cec6.


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Important: this content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice, a prescribing instruction, or a recommendation to act. Consult a licensed healthcare professional before taking any medication.

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